David Johansen: 15 Essential Songs
He was the frontman of the New York Dolls, an adventurous solo performer and the lounge act Buster Poindexter. Listen to highlights from his eclectic catalog.
Addded Mar 1, 2025
A Sly Stone Primer: 15 Songs (and More) From a Musical Visionary
The Sly & the Family Stone leader is the subject of a new documentary directed by Questlove. Here’s what to know about his brilliant career and crushing addiction.
Addded Feb 11, 2025
The Quick-Witted, Self-Lacerating James Blunt Would Like a Word
Twenty years after his hit “You’re Beautiful” turned him into an overnight star, the British singer and songwriter takes his music -- and his haters -- to task.
Addded Oct 8, 2024
This Documentary About Brian Eno Is Never the Same Twice
Thanks to a software program, the length, structure and contents of the movie are reconfigured each time it’s shown. It’s the only way the musician would agree to the project.
Addded Jul 12, 2024
The Tao of ‘Smooth,’ Rock’s Enduring, Inescapable Earworm
Santana’s track featuring Rob Thomas turns 25 this week. Why is it still a rock blockbuster?
Addded Jun 11, 2024
He’s Music’s Mr. Adjacent, Connecting Minimalism to Disco
Peter Gordon, who studied with Terry Riley, has always made music that is surprising but accessible. Now he’s starting his own record label.
Addded Apr 23, 2024
With ‘Tommy’ Revival, Pete Townshend Is Talking to a New Generation
He’s also still working through his childhood trauma. Considering his musical’s legacy, he sees a story about how “we prevail ultimately, by turning toward the light.”
Addded Mar 25, 2024
How ‘The Greatest Night in Pop’ Got the ’80s Right
The Netflix documentary revels in nostalgia. But the heart of the film spotlights the relationships between the pop superstars who recorded “We Are the World.”
Addded Feb 15, 2024
Kiss Loves to Say Goodbye. Is Its Rock ’n’ Roll Really Over?
Farewell tours are one of pop music’s signature moves. But there’s reason to believe Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are throwing in the towel for real this time.
Addded Dec 5, 2023
Ringo Starr on New Beatles Song: It’s ‘a Nice Way to Finally Close That Door’
Sixty years after Ed Sullivan, the Beatles’ heartbeat holds forth on moptop mania, hairdressing, broccoli -- and hope springing eternal.
Addded Nov 21, 2023
Vince Clarke, a Synth-Pop Mastermind, on His Unexpected Solo Album
He’s made irresistible hits with Depeche Mode, Yazoo and Erasure. But going alone for the first time at 63, his inspirations were more sober, and more personal.
Addded Nov 14, 2023
The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
Celebrating six-string glory in blues, rock, metal, punk, folk, country, reggae, jazz, flamenco, bossa nova, and much more.
Addded Oct 13, 2023
Jon Batiste on His New Record and Growing Up Alongside Lil Wayne in New Orleans
A conversation with the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and bandleader on the occasion of his latest album, "World Music Radio."
Addded Aug 18, 2023
How ‘The Last Waltz’ Became One of Rock’s Greatest Docs
The film capturing the Band’s final performance in 1976 is a showcase for the group’s main songwriter and guitarist, Robbie Robertson. And for some, that was a problem.
Addded Aug 11, 2023
John Mellencamp Just Might Punch You
The irascible rocker, now 71, reflects on how America plays into his music, his relationship to his biggest hits and his latest album, “Orpheus Descending.”
Addded Jun 6, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot’s 10 Essential Songs
The Canadian singer-songwriter, who died on Monday at 84, brought his rueful baritone to memorable, melancholy material.
Addded May 2, 2023
Lauren Daigle, a Christian Music Superstar, Is Ready for a Bigger Tent
The 31-year-old singer and songwriter is releasing a self-titled album on a major label - and bracing for the potential backlash.
Addded May 2, 2023
The Buggles’ Song Launched MTV. After 45 Years, They’re Going on Tour.
Trevor Horn, half of the group behind “Video Killed the Radio Star” and a producer who helped engineer the sound of the ’80s, will be the opening act for Seal.
Addded Apr 17, 2023
‘Shucked’: A Broadway Musical That Doubles Down on the Corn
For their debut, the country-music songwriting team Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark embraced puns, heartfelt songs and campy performances. Here’s their story.
Addded Mar 21, 2023
'We have all quiet quit U2 over the years': A conversation with Bono and the Edge
On the eve of 'Songs of Surrender,' featuring new takes on old classics, the singer and guitarist talk about reinventing their songbook and their future as a foursome.
Addded Mar 15, 2023
Graham Nash Remembers David Crosby: ‘He Was Remarkably Unique’
Crosby's best friend recalls their 50 -year partnership, their late-in-life reconciliation, and their heartbreaking plans for a reunion.
Addded Feb 9, 2023
Tom Verlaine, singer and guitarist for seminal art-punk band Television, dies at 73
Verlaine fronted the singular New York band Television, with whom he made two of rock’s most acclaimed albums.
Addded Jan 29, 2023
John Cale at 80, on collaborations old (Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed, David Bowie) and new
'Mercy,' Cale's first album of new songs since 2012, features a handful of young collaborators and reminisces about his friendships with David Bowie and Nico.
Addded Jan 23, 2023
The Eternally Gleaming Cool of Roxy Music
The English art rock band, whose late period sound is more relevant than ever thanks to artists like the Weeknd, are back on tour for the first time in years.
Addded Sep 9, 2022
Once More Into the Vaults: Blondie on the Music That Defined Its Legacy
Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and their bandmates built a career rooted in wit, excitement, pastiche and sex. A new boxed set, “Against the Odds: 1974-1982,” traces their journey.
Addded Aug 23, 2022
The Superbly Original, Gloriously Weird B-52’s Say Farewell to the Road
Forty-three years after their first album, the band that brought the world “Rock Lobster” and “Love Shack” is starting a tour for the last time.
Addded Aug 10, 2022
George Michael Preferred Music to Fame. The Doc He Made Does, Too
“George Michael: Freedom Uncut,” a film the musician worked on with his longtime collaborator David Austin, tells the story of his professional life via interviews and previously unseen footage.
Addded Jun 21, 2022
‘Sailing’ Was Supposed to Save Christopher Cross. It Drowned Him Instead.
San Antonio-born Christopher Cross defined yacht rock and made Grammys history with "Sailing." But the song’s origins are further than that.
Addded Jun 9, 2022
Pete Townshend on the state of the Who and creating a dream supergroup with Led Zeppelin
Pete Townshend on writing for Roger Daltrey ("not easy"); losing Keith Moon and John Entwistle; and his new Audible Original, 'Somebody Saved Me.'
Addded May 5, 2022
Slash On His New Album '4,' That Weird Session With Bob Dylan, and His Favorite Obscure Guitarist
The rock legend explains why he’ll never make a “political” song.
Addded Apr 1, 2022
Daryl Hall on the ups and downs of duo-dom, his secrets to aging well and hating Jann Wenner
On the eve of a new collection of solo material, Daryl Hall holds forth on everything from Joni Mitchell and Donald Trump to his possibly Oates-less future.
Addded Mar 28, 2022
Wet Leg, the Indie-Rock Duo, Blew Up Fast. They Know It’s Weird.
The group’s droll single “Chaise Longue” racked up playlist spots and star endorsements. Its debut album has more springy bass lines, jabbing guitars and sharp, observational lyrics.
Addded Mar 27, 2022
How Hip-Hop Inched Its Way to the Super Bowl Halftime Stage
At Sunday’s game, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar will lead the first-ever halftime performance with rap at its center. The genre has taken a roundabout path to get there.
Addded Feb 10, 2022
How Mel Brooks’ Hitler ditty became the best worst song ever written
How do you write the worst song of all time? In a world that had already birthed such dreck as “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window,” “Clambake,” and “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” how do you sink even lower? How do you write an appalling stinker — but on purpose?
Addded Feb 2, 2022
The 100 Greatest Neil Young Songs
From tender ballads to raging grunge, the songwriter’s nearly 60-year career has produced some of rock’s most enduring music.
Addded Dec 16, 2021
For top Grammy nominee Jon Batiste, music is both birthright and calling. So is protest
The New Orleans native and “Late Night With Stephen Colbert” bandleader tops all Grammy nominees with 11, spread across a dizzying array of genres.
Addded Dec 7, 2021
Bruce Springsteen is Democratic Party royalty. Is he also a symbol of its decline?
As Springsteen has grown more politically active, the white working class he has long championed in song has shifted allegiance to Donald Trump and Republicans.
Addded Nov 17, 2021
It's still very, very good to be Duran Duran
Set to release their 15th album, Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon and John Taylor talk recovering from COVID, their favorite bad review and plastic trousers.
Addded Oct 20, 2021
Todd Haynes On the Mystery of Lou Reed, Timeless Bands, and Rock Docs
The director talks about his new Velvet Underground documentary.
Addded Oct 15, 2021
Skyrockets In Flight: The Strange Story of the Dirtiest Number One Ever
How ‘Afternoon Delight,’ a song about daytime boning, snuck into 70's America’s Wonder Bread mainstream and became an unlikely cultural touchstone.
Addded Oct 14, 2021